Each year Coach Joy stacks the non-district portion of the schedule with some of the toughest kids on the block, with the thought process being that it will better prepare his team for district play. It works!

Our Punchers came out of the lockerroom for their first district game so well prepared on both sides of the ball last week that the Yellow Jackets did not stand a chance. Our salty offensive line paved the way for a rushing attack that topped over 300 yards and our passing game displayed a quick strike capability through the air. Our defense which was tenacious all night, was so physically intimidating that the Zamora Express never got a chance to leave the station! I have been cautious in previous articles not to be delusional and over state this teams talent level, however, after Friday night's game I think the Mason Faithful would agree that the 2009 Punchers are the real deal!

This week the Eagles of Eldorado will come calling and like Menard they will feature two All-West Texas players. In order to try to keep pace with the Mason and Junction football programs, Eldorado went out and dropped some serious coin on new head coach Allan Cherry who has had sucess at the 3A and 4A levels. His new system is already having a impact on their program and we need to be prepared for the new look Eagles.

Eldorado has historically always been one of the fastest teams in the district. This year is no exception as they roll out All-West Texas running back, Wes Brown (5"10" 170LBS 4.5). He is more of a straight up runner with not much jiggle who will look for a small seam hit the after burner and be gone. On the defensive side of the ball Eldo will showcase All-West Texas linebacker, Miles Milaska (6’0" 190LBS) who is a unanimous preseason pick to be the district defensive MVP. He is a one man wrecking crew that will demand everyone's attention all night long.

Junction knocked off Eldorado last week which means the stage has been set for another big game for our Punchers. Eldorado cannot afford to lose another game so early in district play so I would expect them to show up in Mason with something to prove. The only problem with that is, they are about to face.................THE REAL DEAL!!!!!!!

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